Mounting device providing a pivotal interface for attachment of emergency equipment thereto and a method thereof

ABSTRACT

A mounting device which provides a pivotal interface for emergency equipment and a method of attaching the emergency equipment to a rescue transport, e.g., a foot of a litter, are disclosed. For example, the mounting device is releasably attachable to the litter and includes a fastening device operably attached to a mounting structure of the device. The mounting structure includes a tilt plate capable of pivoting. The mounting device also includes an adapter capable of securely mating with the tilt plate, providing a pivotal interface for the attachment of the emergency equipment thereto.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed under 35 U.S.C. §111(a) as a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 13/115,427, filed on May 25, 2011, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/348,310,filed on May 26, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to mounting devices, and moreparticularly relates to mounting devices for litters, wherein themounting devices provide a pivotal interface for the attachment ofemergency equipment thereto.

BACKGROUND

The use of litters in transporting injured patients is widespread. Theability to monitor a patient's medical status with emergency equipmentduring transport is critical. However, litters currently employed inpatient transport have a fairly basic structure to which emergencyequipment is not easily attached. While various modifications to littershave been attempted to allow attachment of emergency equipment, thesemodifications limit the ability of litters to be stacked. Thus,additional embodiments are needed.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mounting device whichprovides a pivotal interface for emergency equipment. The mountingdevice is releasably attachable to a litter and includes a fasteningdevice operably attached to a mounting structure. The mounting structureincludes a tilt plate, a litter engaging plate and a pivoting mechanism.The tilt plate is attached to the litter engaging plate with a pivotingmechanism, such that the tilt plate may pivot about its attachment tothe litter engaging plate. The mounting device also includes an adaptercapable of securely mating with the tilt plate of the mountingstructure, providing a pivotal interface for the attachment of emergencyequipment thereto.

In another embodiment, a method of utilizing a mounting device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention to releasably attach emergencyequipment to a litter is also disclosed.

These and other features and advantages of these and other variousembodiments according to the present invention will become more apparentin view of the drawings, detailed description, and claims provided thatfollow hereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the embodiments of the presentinvention can be best understood when read in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a mounting device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a mounting device releasablyattached to a litter according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the mounting device releasablyattached to the litter according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the mounting device releasablyattached to a litter according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the mounting device releasably attached to thelitter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the mounting device releasablyattached to the litter according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the mounting device releasablyattached to the litter according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an adapter capable of securelymating with the mounting device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of emergency equipment releasablyattached to the adapter depicted in FIG. 8 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 is a back perspective view of an adapter capable of securelymating with the mounting device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a back perspective view of emergency equipment releasablyattached to the adapter depicted in FIG. 10 according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a back perspective view of an adapter capable of securelymating with the mounting device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a back perspective view of emergency equipment releasablyattached to the adapter depicted in FIG. 12 according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a back view of an adapter capable of securely mating with themounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the emergency equipment releasably attached tothe adapter depicted in FIG. 9, wherein the adapter is securely matedwith the mounting device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the emergency equipment releasably attached tothe adapter depicted in FIG. 11, wherein the adapter is securely matedwith the mounting device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 17 is a side view of the emergency equipment releasably attached tothe adapter depicted in FIG. 13, wherein the adapter is securely matedwith the mounting device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustratedfor simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures maybe exaggerated relative to other elements, as well as conventional partsremoved, to help to improve understanding of the various embodiments ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mounting device whichprovides a pivotal interface for attaching emergency equipment theretoand to a method of attaching releasably and tiltably such equipment to arescue transport, such as for example a litter, a cot, an emergencyvehicle, and the likes. In the forgoing illustrated embodiments, themounting device is depicted as being releasably attachable to a litterfor convenience and includes a fastening device operably attached to amounting structure of the device. The mounting structure includes a tiltplate, a litter engaging plate and a pivoting mechanism. The tilt plateis attached to the litter engaging plate with a pivoting mechanism, suchthat the tilt plate may pivot about its attachment to the litterengaging plate. The mounting device also includes an adapter capable ofsecurely mating with the tilt plate of the mounting structure, providinga pivotal interface for the attachment of emergency equipment thereto.It is to be appreciated the fastening device and the mounting structureof the device may be so configured to attach to other such rescuetransports besides litters in any one of the manners described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting device 10 is releasablyattachable to a rescue transport, which is shown as litter 50. Themounting device 10 comprises a fastening device 11 and a mountingstructure 12. The fastening device 11 is operably connected to themounting structure 12, such that when the fastening device 11 isengaged, the mounting structure 12 translates laterally, so that it mayengage the litter 50. The mounting structure 12 comprises a tilt plate13, a litter engaging plate 14, a pivoting mechanism 15, and a stoppermember 16. In this particular embodiment, the tilt plate 13 and thelitter engaging plate 14 are attached to the pivoting mechanism 15, suchthat the tilt plate 13 may pivot about its attachment to the litterengaging plate 14 with the pivoting mechanism 15, e.g., as isillustrated by FIG. 5. The stopper member 16 is attached to the litterengaging plate 14.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the mounting device 10 is releasably attached tothe litter 50. The litter 50 has a plurality of feet 51 attached to apair of parallel poles 52. The plurality of feet 51 define apertures 53,wherein the mounting device 10 is releasably attachable to the foot ofthe litter 50 through one of the apertures 53. The mounting device 10 isreleasably attached to the litter 50 by extending the fastening device11 through the respective aperture 53. After the fastening device 11 isextended through the aperture 53, the device 10 or 11 (or a partthereof) is rotated in a radial direction such that the foot 51 preventsthe fastening device 11 from disengaging the litter 50 by extending backthrough the aperture 53. For example and as shown by FIGS. 1 and 3, thefastening device 11 may comprise a hand screw 91 and a nut plate 93(e.g., a T-bar clamp). When the hand screw 91 is rotated in a firstdirection, screw threading (not shown) causes the nut plate 93 totranslate about the hand screw 91 towards an engaging plate 14 of themounting device 10 and when turn in a second direction, opposite to thefirst direction, to move away from the engaging plate 14. In theillustrated embodiment, the nut plate 93 is sized and shaped such thatit may pass through the aperture 53 when orientated in a firstorientation and when orientated in a second orientation, e.g.,perpendicular to the first orientation, to cause an interference fitwith the respective foot 51 when translated towards the engaging plate14 in the first direction, thereby releasably attaching the mountingdevice 10 to the litter 50 as illustrated by FIG. 3.

In another embodiment, engagement of the fastening device 11 causes themounting structure 12 to translate in a lateral direction toward thefoot 51 of the litter 50. The mounting structure 12 translates in alateral direction until the litter engaging plate 14 engages the foot 51of the litter 50. In all of the above embodiments, the litter engagingplate 14 engages the foot 51 of the litter 50 in a stable configuration,such that the mounting device 10 is securely attached releasably to thelitter 50.

The fastening device 11 may comprise a clamping device, including butnot limited to cam clamps, bar clamps, C-clamps, F-clamps, and T-barclamps. It is understood by one skilled in the art that the fasteningdevice 11 of the present invention should not be limited to the clampingdevices disclosed herein, but may include any device capable ofreleasably attaching the mounting device 10 to the litter 50, such asfor example, a simple wing nut and screw arrangement, a quick releaseclamp or skewer, and the likes.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 7, the tilt plate 13 provides aninterface wherein emergency equipment (discussed below) may be attachedthereto. In one particular embodiment, the tilt plate 13 issubstantially planar and defines a plurality of apertures 17. In afurther embodiment, the plurality of apertures 17 comprise asubstantially keyhole shape, such that an adapter may slidably engagethe apertures 17 of the tilt plate 13.

The tilt plate 13 and the litter engaging plate 14 are attached to thepivoting mechanism 15, such that the tilt plate 13 may pivot about itsattachment to the litter engaging plate 14 with the pivoting mechanism15. In one embodiment, the tilt plate 13 may pivot about its attachmentto the litter engaging plate 14 with a pivoting mechanism 15 in acontinuous motion, such that the angle θ is variable. In this particularembodiment, the tilt plate 13 may pivot to any angle θ ranging fromabout 0° to about 90°. In an alternative embodiment, the tilt plate 13may pivot about its attachment to the litter engaging plate 14 to avariety of fixed angles θ. In this particular embodiment, the fixedangle θ may comprise any angle θ ranging from about 0° to about 90°.When the angle θ is about 0°, the tilt plate 13 engages the stoppermember 16.

The pivoting mechanism 15 may operate such that the tilt plate 13 isheld in a fixed position without the application of secondary mechanicalsupport. Alternatively, the pivoting mechanism 15 may operate such thatthe tilt plate 13 is held in a fixed position with the application ofsecondary mechanical support.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the pivoting mechanism 15 mayinclude a hinging mechanism. The hinging mechanism may include butshould not be limited to friction hinges, adjustable friction hinges,and lever lock hinges. However, the pivoting mechanism should not belimited to the pivoting hinges disclosed herein, but may comprise anypivoting mechanism wherein the tilt plate 13 may pivot about itsattachment to the litter engaging plate 14. For example, the pivotingmechanism 15 may comprise pivoting joints, such as U-joints.

Alternatively, the pivoting mechanism 15 may comprise a ratchetingmechanism comprising an extendable lever with a plurality of holes and alocking pin. In this particular embodiment, the tilt plate 13 may pivotabout its attachment to the litter engaging plate 14 to a variety offixed positions. Alternatively, the pivoting mechanism 15 may comprise aframing system wherein the tilt plate 13 is attached thereto, such thatthe tilt plate 13 may pivot about its attachment to the framing system.It is understood by one skilled in the art that the pivoting mechanism15 of the present invention should not be limited to the mechanismsdisclosed herein, but may include any pivoting mechanism 15 which allowsthe tilt plate 13 to pivot about its attachment to the litter engagingplate 14.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pivotingmechanism 15 may comprise a pair of engaging channels 22 through whichthe tilt plate 13 extends. In this particular embodiment, the tilt plate13 is attached to the litter engaging plate 14 with suitable attachmentdevices including but not limited to nails, screws, nuts, and or bolts.Thus, the tilt plate may pivot about its attachment to the litterengaging plate 14 by translating through the engaging channels 22 to avariety of angles θ. The tilt plate 13 is also attached to a fixingdevice 23 for fixing the tilt plate 13 to a particular angle θ.

In one particular embodiment, the fixing device 23 fixes the tilt plate13 to a particular angle θ by rotating the fixing device 23 such that itengages the tilt plate 13 in a secure configuration. For example, thefixing device 23 may comprise a T-handle bolt or a wing-nut. The fixingdevice 23 should not be limited to the devices disclosed herein,however, but may comprise any device which fixes the tilt plate 13 to aparticular angle θ.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, in one embodiment, the mounting structure 12comprises a locking mechanism which secures the adapter and emergencyequipment attached thereto (discussed below) to the mounting device 10.In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism is a spring bias catchmechanism 18. In a further embodiment, the spring bias catch mechanism18 is disposed within the tilt plate 13.

The spring bias catch mechanism 18 comprises a spring 19 operablyattached to an engaging member 20. When the engaging member 20 isengaged, the engaging member 20 retracts into the tilt plate 13, causingthe spring 19 to compress. When the engaging member 20 is disengaged,the spring 19 decompresses causing the engaging member 20 to extend toits original position. Thus, the spring bias catch mechanism 18 maysecure the attachment of the emergency equipment to the mounting device10 when the emergency equipment possesses a catch (discussed below)wherein the engaging member 20 may extend. It is understood by oneskilled in the art that the locking mechanism of the present inventionshould not be limited to a spring bias catch mechanism 18, but mayinclude any locking mechanism which secures the attachment of theemergency equipment to the mounting device 10.

In one embodiment, the spring bias catch mechanism 18 may comprise arelease mechanism 21. In this particular embodiment, the releasemechanism 21 is operably connected to the spring bias catch mechanism18, such that when the release mechanism 21 is engaged, the emergencyequipment is released from its secure attachment to the mounting device10. When engaged, the release mechanism 21 engages the spring 19,causing the spring 19 to compress. When the spring 19 compresses, theengaging member 20 operably attached thereto, retracts into the tiltplate 13, releasing the adapter with emergency equipment attachedthereto.

The tilt plate 13 provides an interface wherein emergency equipment maybe attached thereto. In one particular embodiment, the tilt plate 13 issubstantially planar and defines a plurality of apertures 17. In afurther embodiment, the plurality of apertures 17 comprise asubstantially keyhole shape, such that an adapter may slidably engagethe apertures 17 of the tilt plate 13.

As depicted in FIGS. 8, 10, 12, and 14 the adapter 30 is capable ofsecurely mating with the mounting device 10. In one embodiment, theadapter 30 comprises a standard mounting surface 31 and an equipmentengaging surface 32. The standard mounting surface 31 is engageable tothe tilt plate 13 of the mounting device 10. The equipment engagingsurface 32 is engageable to the emergency equipment 70. Additionally,the adapter 30 may further define a catch 33 through which the engagingmember 20 of the spring bias catch mechanism 18 may extend, securing theattachment of the emergency equipment to the mounting device 10.

The standard mounting surface 31 of the adapter 30 comprises a pluralityof interlocking members 34 which may securely mate with the apertures 17of the tilt plate 13. In this particular embodiment, the interlockingmembers 34 securely mate with the apertures 17 of the tilt plate 13 byslidably engaging the apertures 17 of the tilt plate 13. Theinterlocking members 34 slidably engage the apertures 17 of the tiltplate 13 by extending through the apertures 17 and translating in asubstantially vertical direction through the apertures 17. In thisparticular embodiment, the adapter 30 securely mates with the mountingdevice 10 such that it is securely attached to the mounting device 10.Additionally, in this particular embodiment, the adapter 30 may besecurely mated with the mounting device 10 and may be easily releasedtherefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, the interlocking members 34 aresubstantially circular in shape. However, the shape of the interlockingmembers 34 should not be limited to substantially circular but maycomprise any shape wherein the interlocking members 34 may extendthrough the apertures 17 of the tilt plate 13 and translate in avertical direction through the apertures 17.

The equipment engaging surface 32 of the adapter comprises a pluralityof engaging members 35 which may securely engage the emergencyequipment. In one particular embodiment, the engaging members 35 maycomplimentarily engage the emergency equipment. The equipment engagingsurface 32 and engaging members 35 are adaptable to fit a variety ofemergency equipment.

As depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, in one particular embodiment, the engagingmembers 35 may comprise a plurality of vertical members. In thisparticular embodiment, the plurality of vertical members may slidablyengage the emergency equipment. Alternatively, as depicted in FIGS. 10and 11, the engaging members 35 may comprise a plurality of angularmembers. The angular members complimentarily engage the emergencyequipment by securely mating with the emergency equipment 70. In yetanother embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13, the engaging members35 may comprise a removable member. In this particular embodiment, theremovable member may comprise a substantially cylindrical member whichmay be inserted within the emergency equipment 70 and then reattached tothe adapter 30 with attachment devices 36.

As depicted in FIG. 14, in one particular embodiment, the equipmentengaging surface 32 and engaging members 35 are adaptable to accommodatean IV pole. In this particular embodiment, the engaging member 35 maycomprise a wedge wherein the IV pole may be accommodated. In a furtherembodiment, the wedge may comprise a substantially cylindrical structurewith a top opening wherein the IV pole may be accommodated. In thisparticular embodiment, the wedge may accommodate the Ferno 2030 IV Pole.The wedge may be configured onto the equipment engaging surface 32 suchthat when the IV pole is accommodated by the wedge, the IV pole issubstantially vertical.

In each embodiment, the engaging members 35 complimentarily engage theemergency equipment 70 such that the emergency equipment 70 is securelyattached to the adapter 30. The emergency equipment may comprise anydevice that is critical to patient care or that is capable of monitoringa patient. The engaging members 35 should not, however, be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed herein. The engaging members 35 maycomprise any shape or form by which the emergency equipment 70 may beattached to the adapter 30. In one particular embodiment, the engagingmembers 35 may comprise any shape or form capable of complimentarilyengaging the emergency equipment 70.

FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 depict the emergency equipment 70 attached to theadapter 30 which is attached to the mounting device 10. Moreparticularly, the emergency equipment 70 is complimentarily engaged withthe engaging members 35 of the adapter 30, the interlocking members 34of the adapter 30 are securely mated with the tilt plate 13 of themounting device 10, and the mounting device 10 is releasably attached tothe litter 50. The emergency equipment 70 attached to the adapter 30 maypivot with the tilt plate 13 about its attachment to the litter engagingplate 14 with the pivoting mechanism 15. The emergency equipment 70attached to the adapter 30 may pivot up or down in a substantiallyvertical direction. Thus, the emergency equipment 70 attached to theadapter 30 may pivot to prevent contact with objects such as tabletopsor the ground.

In still another embodiment, a method for utilizing the mounting device10 according to the present invention is also disclosed. For example, toattach releasably emergency equipment 70 to a foot 51 of a litter 50,the mounting device 10 is attached releasably via passing the fasteningdevice 11 through an aperture 53 of the foot 51 of the litter 50 in afirst orientation, and then placing the fastening device 11 in a secondorientation. Next, the fastening device 11 is tightened such that theclamps the foot 51 between the fastening device 11 and the litterengaging plate 14 to releasably attach the mounting device to the litter50. Next, an adapter which on a first side is mounted to the emergencyequipment is releasably engaged on a second side to the tilt plate 13via the spring bias catch mechanism 18. It is to be appreciated that thetilt plate 13 provides a pivotal interface for the attachment of theemergency equipment 70 thereto such that when attached to the tilt plate13, the emergency equipment 70 may pivot with the tilt plate 13 aboutthe attachment of the tilt plate 13 to the litter engaging plate 14.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it isnoted that the terms “about” and “substantially” are utilized herein torepresent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed toany quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. The terms “about” and “substantially” are also utilizedherein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representationmay vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in thebasic function of the subject matter at issue.

The above description and drawings are only to be consideredillustrative of exemplary embodiments, which achieve the features andadvantages of the present invention. Modification and substitutions thefeatures and steps described can be made without departing from theintent and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention isnot to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description anddrawings, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting device providing a pivotal interface for attachment of emergency equipment to a rescue transport, the mounting device comprising: a fastening device releasably attachable to the rescue transport; and a mounting structure attached to the fastening device, wherein the mounting structure comprises: an engaging plate; and a tilt plate pivotally attached to the engaging plate with a pivoting mechanism, wherein the tilt plate comprises a spring-bias catch mechanism disposed therein for securing the emergency equipment to the mounting device, and wherein the tilt plate provides the pivotal interface for attachment of the emergency equipment thereto such that when attached to the tilt plate, the emergency equipment may pivot with the tilt plate about the attachment of the tilt plate to the engaging plate wherein the spring-bias catch mechanism comprises a spring operably attached to an engaging member, such that: when the engaging member is engaged, the engaging member retracts into the tilt plate in a retracted position and compresses the spring, and when the engaging member is disengaged, the spring decompresses and extends the engaging member from the retracted position to an extended position, wherein the extended position secures the attachment of the emergency equipment to the tilt plate.
 2. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the fastening device comprises a clamping device.
 3. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the pivoting mechanism comprises a hinging mechanism.
 4. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the pivoting mechanism comprises a ratcheting mechanism.
 5. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the pivoting mechanism comprises a pair of engaging channels defined by the engaging plate through which the tilt plate may translate.
 6. The mounting device of claim 5, further comprising a fixing device attached to the tilt plate.
 7. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the rescue transport is selected from the group consisting of a litter, a cot, and an emergency vehicle.
 8. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the rescue transport is a cot.
 9. A mounting device providing a pivotal interface for attachment of emergency equipment to a rescue transport, the mounting device comprising: a fastening device releasably attachable to the rescue transport; and a mounting structure attached to the fastening device, wherein the mounting structure comprises: an engaging plate; and a tilt plate pivotally attached to the engaging plate with a pivoting mechanism, wherein the tilt plate comprises a spring-bias catch mechanism disposed therein for securing the emergency equipment to the mounting device, and wherein the tilt plate provides the pivotal interface for attachment of the emergency equipment thereto such that when attached to the tilt plate, the emergency equipment may pivot with the tilt plate about the attachment of the tilt plate to the engaging wherein the spring-bias catch mechanism comprises: an engaging member; a spring operably attached to the engaging member; and a release mechanism operably connected to the spring, such that: when the engaging member is engaged, the engaging member retracts into the tilt plate in a retracted position and compresses the spring, when the engaging member is disengaged, the spring decompresses and extends the engaging member from the retracted position to an extended position, wherein the extended position secures the attachment of the emergency equipment to the tilt plate, and when the release mechanism is engaged, the release mechanism engages the spring, compressing the spring and retracting the engaging member into the retracted position, wherein the retracted position releases the secure attachment of the emergency equipment to the tilt plate.
 10. The mounting device of claim 1, further comprising an adapter releasably engageable with the tilt plate and with the emergency equipment, wherein the emergency equipment may pivot with the tilt plate and the adapter about the attachment of the tilt plate to the engaging plate.
 11. The mounting device of claim 10, wherein the adapter comprises a mounting surface for releasably engaging the tilt plate and an equipment engaging surface for releasably engaging the emergency equipment.
 12. The mounting device of claim 10, wherein: the tilt plate defines a plurality of apertures; and the adapter comprises a plurality of interlocking members for securely mating with the plurality of apertures defined by the tilt plate.
 13. The mounting device of claim 10, wherein: the tilt plate defines a plurality of apertures; the adapter comprises a plurality of interlocking members for securely mating with the plurality of apertures defined by the tilt plate; and the adapter comprises a plurality of engaging members for securely and releasably engaging the emergency equipment.
 14. The mounting device of claim 10, wherein: the tilt plate defines a plurality of apertures; the adapter comprises a plurality of interlocking members for slidably engaging the plurality of apertures defined by the tilt plate; and the adapter comprises an equipment engaging surface comprising a plurality of vertical members, angular members, or removable members for releasably engaging the emergency equipment.
 15. The mounting device of claim 10, wherein the adapter comprises an equipment engaging surface with a wedge.
 16. The mounting device of claim 9, further comprising an adapter releasably engageable with the tilt plate and with the emergency equipment, wherein the emergency equipment may pivot with the tilt plate and the adapter about the attachment of the tilt plate to the engaging plate.
 17. The mounting device of claim 16, wherein the adapter comprises a mounting surface for releasably engaging the tilt plate and an equipment engaging surface for releasably engaging the emergency equipment.
 18. The mounting device of claim 16, wherein: the tilt plate defines a plurality of apertures; and the adapter comprises a plurality of interlocking members for securely mating with the plurality of apertures defined by the tilt plate.
 19. The mounting device of claim 16, wherein: the tilt plate defines a plurality of apertures; the adapter comprises a plurality of interlocking members for securely mating with the plurality of apertures defined by the tilt plate; and the adapter comprises a plurality of engaging members for securely and releasably engaging the emergency equipment.
 20. The mounting device of claim 16, wherein: the tilt plate defines a plurality of apertures; the adapter comprises a plurality of interlocking members for slidably engaging the plurality of apertures defined by the tilt plate; and the adapter comprises an equipment engaging surface comprising a plurality of vertical members, angular members, or removable members for releasably engaging the emergency equipment. 